What can visitors expect from the International Mining and Resources Conference?

"IMARC has a very comprehensive programme, covering areas including resources operations, investment and finance, technical subjects and, of course, there's a focus on research and new technologies.

"It's an opportunity for leaders in all of those fields, and others, to really get up to date with the latest developments, through attending part, or all, of the programme."

How important is IMARC on the mining conference calendar?

"I think the event is particularly relevant at this time, perhaps because of the breadth and the depth of the programme.

"It really does cover a wide range of topics. But also to give in-depth information to those who are in an operational role, or those involved in investment financing, and also people such as our members who drive the technical innovation that's required."

What do you hope delegates will take away from the event?

"I think for the delegates, there's an opportunity to really take away significant knowledge and also to build networks in their particular areas of operation.

"And also to become more aware of some of the business opportunities that exist right across the resources sector."

What are the central issues you hope are discussed at the conference?

"One of the issues needs to be enhanced understanding of the economic and social importance of the industry for those who aren't perhaps directly involved in the operational side. And, obviously, the industry's contribution to national and global economies and living standards.

"And then, looking more specifically at some of the central issues that will be discussed in the programme, are those surrounding investment opportunities and returns to investors, versus the capital expenditure and investment that's required to develop and bring to production new mines.

"So there are some big issues around those tensions. The technological improvements that are either in place or underway, and how they can be best implemented to assist productivity, that's going to be a major focus.

"And also the medium and long-term sustainability of the sector within Australasia, but also internationally, and dealing with the whole range of issues that go across everything from resource nationalism to fluctuations in commodity prices and the uncertainty in some markets."

What are your thoughts on Melbourne as a conference venue?

"I think Melbourne is an excellent venue for an event such as this one. Melbourne is one of the global hubs of the resources sector. That's not just a historical fact but very much contemporary, both in terms of corporate leadership, but also investor and financing focus.

"So Melbourne is very well placed to host an international conference such as this one that, I'm sure, will become one of the must-attend conferences of its time. That's the crucial factor. It's always hard to get an event such as this one up and running, but on what we've seen and what our own staff are witnessing - working with IMARC organisers - we can see that this conference has already hit the mark and it is going to be a very successful conference and certainly will build a base for growth in the future.

"Suddenly, people inside and outside the conference organisation are becoming excited by what's planned and the opportunities that this conference brings."

What announcements can we expect from AUSIMM at the event?

"We would expect to make some announcements around the impact of current and future company strategies and government policies on mining professionals who work in the sector.

"We're particularly concerned around the high levels of unemployment or under-employment of the professionals who form our membership and we see that as a short term issue.

"But we're quite sure that it won't be long again before the industry in Australia and globally goes back into some expansion, and that will lead again to a focus on professional skill shortages right across the disciplines that make this sector work."

Do you think the state and federal governments are doing enough to help the mining industry at local and national level?

"I think that state governments now are doing very good work, particularly in identifying the geological potential of their states and of known and, as yet, unproven deposits.

"They are also working harder to reduce and clarify regulations. One of the issues we see is inconsistency across Australian states and nationally, particularly around areas such as safety. It's most important that safety has a very high priority, both at this conference but also for government and companies and individuals working in the industry.

"At a national level, we're pleased that the federal government has introduced tax breaks for those investing in exploration. It's a small step, but it's one that the industry has wanted for many years.

"And it comes at a time when most mid-tier and major companies are drawing back from exploration and focusing on existing operations. That puts undue pressure on the smaller explorers who are, at the moment, starved of funds.

"So anything that can encourage investment in exploration, I think, is a good move. But beyond that, I think that the drivers for the industry are often beyond the influence of state and national governments.

What do you think are the key issues regarding safety across the mining industry at the moment?

"I think that one of the key issues is an inconsistency of regulation, from state to national jurisdictions, and in various regions and countries around the world. Australian companies and professionals who work internationally are well known for taking their expertise to sites around the world.

"They constantly face that difficulty of best practice standards that they've developed and that they're used to operating under, compared with often less than best practice in some environments - both in a regulatory sense and an operational sense. That's a very big issue.

"One of the other issues around safety is the breadth of operation in Australia and globally, the types of operations, the types of ore bodies that are being mined - there is such a level of complexity around the operating issues that requires a very high standard of professional expertise and also corporate focus to make sure that the standards are maintained at that level.

"And the third thing is the implementation of technologies. This will increasingly remove people from high-risk areas and mining operations.

"And while this is happening, it's going to take a lot of investment and a number of years - even amongst the major miners - to see significant changes in their operations, utilising some of the technologies that are only now being brought to market.

Are there any particular speakers on the schedule that you're looking forward to hearing?

"AUSIMM is running two important sessions. One of them is excellence in mining and mine management.

"We see that as being a significant contribution on the part of the institute to the overall content and quality of the programme that's being presented.

"And of course the second one, best practice JORC reporting - winning investor confidence. The importance of that presentation can't be overstated, when investor confidence could be seen as somewhat lacking across the investment sector for resources companies and resources projects.

"So any work that can be done to enhance that has got to be good.

"Looking at the keynote speakers, there's some of the most experienced CEOs of major mining companies and some very influential political speakers. It would be hard to pick one from another, given the quality of the speakers lined up."